GAME REPORT

Novi Zagreb Snatch A Play-Off Lifeline

The play-off dream of WBC Novi Zagreb lives on after they squeezed past CCC Polkowice 71-66 to claim only their second EuroLeague Women Group C victory of the season.

The Croatian side had to show some real mental toughness after trailing by double-digits in the third quarter, before keeping their heads and executing in a nerve-wracking finale.

There was nothing much between the teams in the first quarter, before CCC Polkowice grabbed the momentum by reducing the hosts to just seven points in the second period to lead 33-27 at the break.

Things deteriorated further for Novi Zagreb when they fell 48-36 behind, but they managed to retain hope and eight points in a row without reply gave them a renewed impetus.

With the game locked at 57 heading down the stretch, Zagreb moved six points clear at 63-57, but with 30 seconds left, they were hanging on when Belinda Snell sunk a trey to trim their lead to a solitary point.

However, Milica Dabovic subsequently kept her cool from the foul line and grabbed the last of five precious steals to seal the deal. The Serbian playmaker also added 19 points and five assists.

Luca Ivankovic meanwhile was clinical in the paint with an efficient 15 points.

The loss was particularly tough on Magdalena Leciejewska who plundered 18 points and eight rebounds for Polkowice.

COACH AND PLAYER QUOTES

Quotes: WBC Novi Zagreb vs. CCC Polkowice

Player Milica Dabovic"We started the game very concentrated. We couldn't lose anything in this game. We fought until the end. We had problems with their zone defence, but when the team fights it is easy to play and win some games."

WBC Novi Zagreb Head Coach Vladimir Ivankovic"Congratulations to all my players. They showed extremely big heart and pride today. Key point of the game was when we started to play with more aggression when Polkowice had a 12-point lead. Polkowice still have the advantage because they won by nine points in Polkowice. But we will fight till the very end. This is a big step towards the play offs."

CCC Polkowice Head Coach Jacek Winnicki"We lead most of the game, but at the end we lost concetration and we let Zagreb win."

CCC Polkowice Player Jelena Skerovic"In the second half we had a lot of turnovers and a bad reaction to the zone defence which was the key of the game."